The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has finalized the Information Memorandum (IM) for the upcoming 5G spectrum auction, sources told The Asian Mirror, marking a major procedural milestone ahead of the launch of next-generation mobile services in the country.
The IM is expected to be issued shortly after receiving formal approval from the authority, clearing the way for the official start of the auction process. Its completion follows the federal government’s policy directive for auctioning 5G spectrum.
Information Memorandum Outlines Legal and Regulatory Framework
Sources familiar with the development said the finalized IM details the legal and regulatory basis of the auction, its objectives, and PTA’s mandate under the government’s policy directive.
The document also provides an overview of market conditions, spectrum availability, and broader policy goals aimed at supporting digital transformation, improved connectivity, and economic growth through next-generation mobile services.
Also read: 5G technology coming to Pakistan in 2025: Details here
Technical Details and Auction Design Included
According to sources, the IM contains comprehensive technical and auction-related information, including:
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Spectrum bands and blocks to be auctioned
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Frequency arrangements
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Technology-neutral usage rights
It also specifies spectrum caps to promote fair competition and prevent market concentration. The document explains the auction methodology, bidding rules, timelines, eligibility criteria, and participation requirements for both existing operators and potential new entrants, in line with international best practices.
Telecom Operators Assure Participation in 5G Auction
Following the issuance of the policy directive, the chief executive officers of all cellular mobile operators met with Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, sources said.
During the meeting, telecom operators welcomed the government’s decision to accommodate key industry concerns, particularly the move to fix the dollar exchange rate on the day of the auction. Operators assured the minister of their participation in the 5G auction while expressing hope that outstanding issues related to quality-of-service standards and 5G rollout obligations would be addressed.
Government Highlights Need for Additional Spectrum
The federal minister emphasized that Pakistan is one of the most spectrum-starved countries in the region, noting that the auction of approximately 600 MHz of spectrum would significantly improve mobile service quality nationwide.
According to sources, the minister stressed that additional spectrum is essential to reducing network congestion, enhancing user experience, and supporting future data traffic growth.
Key Features of the 5G Policy Directive
The federal government issued the 5G spectrum auction policy directive earlier this week, making multiple low-, mid-, and high-band frequencies available under a transparent and competitive framework.
Key features of the directive include:
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Technology-neutral spectrum usage
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Fixed base prices
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Locked dollar conversion rate for spectrum fees
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Flexible payment options
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15-year licence tenure
Sources said the 5G spectrum auction is expected to take place after the issuance of the Information Memorandum and completion of the remaining regulatory requirements by PTA.
